| Selecting the perfect hardwood flooring for your home | | | | actual hardwood on top so it can only be refinished a |
| demands careful consideration of your overall theme, | | | | limited number of times.Solid hardwood flooring can be |
| installation requirements and your budget. You need to | | | | refinished many times if necessary. |
| be familiar with the different styles of hardwood | | | | Reclaimed Wood |
| flooring so you can make an informed choice between | | | | Reclaimed wood flooring is one of the hottest trends |
| products. You will save money by selecting the | | | | right now. The reclaimed wood comes from railroad |
| correct hardwood flooring for your project and the | | | | trestles, old barns or logs that had sunk during their |
| result will be something you can be proud of and enjoy | | | | delivery trips down river. Recycling the wood is |
| for many years. | | | | environmentally friendly, but it also gives you wood with |
| Wood Planks | | | | incredible character and a unique history. Reclaimed |
| Hardwood flooring styles over about 4" wide are | | | | wood is a perfect complement to a rustic or log cabin |
| considered planks. Typical widths range from 4" to 6" | | | | design. |
| although you can get planks up to 12" wide. The | | | | Laminate Flooring |
| problem with going too wide is that there is more | | | | Laminate flooring is not really hardwood but instead a |
| expansion and contraction across the grain with the | | | | picture of hardwood laminated onto man-made |
| wider planks and you can end up with gaps between | | | | material. One of the most inexpensive types of flooring |
| the planks.As the humidity in your home changes with | | | | and generally the easiest to put in yourself, very good |
| the seasons, the wood planks can absorb moisture or | | | | quality laminate flooring is durable and scratch-resistant |
| give it off, changing their width. | | | | for pet owners. Often available as a floating floor |
| Engineered Hardwood | | | | where the laminate strips click together for fast |
| Engineered flooring is made of layers of wood | | | | installation. |
| laminated in alternating grains, like plywood, so it's very | | | | By carefully considering your budget along with the |
| stable for floors. This is the best choice of hardwood | | | | distinctive appeal of each of these styles of hardwood |
| flooring if the flooring is being laid on concrete or in the | | | | flooring, you can find the perfect fit for you to establish |
| basement since it won't expand with the higher | | | | the overall look and feel of your home. |
| moisture levels. It has a thin veneer or wear layer of | | | | |